Warning To Tourists

August 14, 1985

MADRID, SPAIN — ''Don't be a hero.'' That's the theme of a brochure issued by the Spanish government in four languages for the benefit of tourists. It recommends that a visitor hand over money when a mugger demands it. ''Your life is worth more than your money,'' the pamphlet says. Other tips: Don't walk in dark streets, keep to the center of the pavement to foil purse snatchers on motorcycles and, above all, don't carry large amounts of cash at any one time. Street crime has been blamed for a 20 percent decline in the number of British visitors to Spain. Thousands of foreigners were robbed last year and muggers killed two tourists. The Spanish government issued the brochure as part of the its ''Summer '85'' program. Another measure: More police officers in coastal resorts.